Alta Weiss

Alta Weiss

American baseball player

Baseball player

Alta Weiss (February 9, 1890 – February 12, 1964) was an American baseball player who gained fame as a female pitcher in the early 20th century. She played for the Vermilion Independents from 1907 to 1910, a semi-professional team based in Vermilion, Ohio.

Early Life

Alta Weiss was born in Berlin Heights, Ohio, to George and Lucinda Weiss. She showed an early interest in baseball and began playing with local boys' teams. Her father, recognizing her talent, supported her ambitions and helped her pursue a career in baseball.

Baseball Career

In 1907, at the age of 17, Alta Weiss joined the Vermilion Independents, a semi-professional team. She quickly became a sensation due to her pitching skills and the novelty of being a female player in a male-dominated sport. Weiss was known for her strong arm and her ability to strike out batters, which drew large crowds to the games.

Weiss played with the Vermilion Independents until 1910. During her career, she often faced skepticism and prejudice but continued to prove her abilities on the field. Her performances were covered by local newspapers, and she became a popular figure in the region.

Education and Later Life

After her baseball career, Alta Weiss pursued higher education. She attended Wooster College and later graduated from Starling Medical College (now part of The Ohio State University College of Medicine) in 1914. She became a licensed physician and practiced medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, until her death in 1964.

Legacy

Alta Weiss is remembered as a pioneer for women in sports, particularly in baseball. Her determination and success in a male-dominated field paved the way for future generations of female athletes.

See Also

• Women in baseball
• Vermilion Independents
• List of female baseball players